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One of the readers requested that I write about how Muslims feel about non-believers and how they are treated. We always hear about people who converted to Islam, but do not hear as much about the ones who left Islam (except for some extreme cases). This subject really varies and it depends on if we are talking about conservative Muslim countries or secular countries. Many people living in the U.S. and other western countries are a lot more open minded because they see so many diverse views and ideas. However, Muslims living in the middle east might see it as a big problem. I will write about my views in both cases, since I lived in the Middle East as well as the United States.

Definitions

First off, let’s talk about the difference between a non-Muslim unbeliever and an apostate.

  • A non-Muslim unbeliever (kafir) is someone who does not believe in Islam (typically referring to Christians & Jews).
  • An apostate (murtad) is someone who used to be Muslim then decided to leave Islam.

I fall into the second category. I was born into Islam, lived as a “Muslim” until my mid-20′s, then decided that religion wasn’t for me.

What Muslims think of Non-Believers

Generally speaking, I think that most Muslims feel like non-Muslims do not know any better. They feel that most of them just haven’t learned about Islam, therefore, they did not see the “light”. They believe that their fate is left up to “god” in the afterlife and that they will be sent to hell for eternity. For the most part, they let non-Muslims live their lives and do what they want without bothering them (unless it affects Muslims).
When it comes to apostasy, it is a different story and a very big deal in Islam. Even though the Quran is very vague as to what the punishment should be for apostates, the Hadith (Mohammad’s teachings) is very clear that they should be killed.

Narrated ‘Abdullah:

Allah’s Apostle said, “The blood of a Muslim who confesses that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that I am His Apostle, cannot be shed except in three cases: In Qisas for murder, a married person who commits illegal sexual intercourse and the one who reverts from Islam (apostate) and leaves the Muslims.”


Sahih Bukhari Volume 9, Book 83, Number 17

Narrated Ikrima: Ali burnt some people and this news reached Ibn ‘Abbas, who said, “Had I been in his place I would not have burnt them, as the Prophet said, ‘Don’t punish (anybody) with Allah’s Punishment.’ No doubt, I would have killed them, for the Prophet said, ‘If somebody (a Muslim) discards his religion, kill him.’ ”

Although many Muslims in the Middle East might agree with this sentence, I don’t think that any of them would would carry it out themselves. However, if the country is ruled by Sharia law, apostates who come out publicly might be tried in court and sentenced to life in prison or death. In most cases, apostates will just keep their thoughts to themselves to avoid any problems. If their family finds out, they would keep it a secret from everyone else because something like that would cause great shame to their reputation. It is one of the biggest “crimes” anyone can commit in Islam.
Muslims in western countries might look at it differently. Since they already live with many people with different views, they would probably be more tolerant towards people who have their own beliefs (or dis-beliefs). However, if the apostates are from their own family, they would probably make them feel like outcasts, avoid any interactions with them and even disown them. Of course all this depends on how liberal or conservative the families are on the topic. Some consequences might be worse than others.

Why I Didn’t Come Out Publicly as an Atheist

When I first decided that I really did not believe in religion, I did a lot of thinking. I had to decide if I was going to keep it to myself or tell my family. My parents are moderate Muslims that believe the Quran is the word of god, but since they are not extremists, I don’t think they would try to enforce any punishment on me. However, they would definitely disown me and never speak to me again.

I had two options:

  1. I can deal with the fact that I will never have contact with my family again. This is something that my parents will never get over. It is not as simple as having a difference of opinion. It is something that they absolutely truly believe. Even after they disown me, they would be so depressed because, in their mind, I am going to be punished in “hell” for all of eternity…. They would also feel like they did something wrong in raising me and that it was their fault. My parents would just be miserable and extremely hurt.
  2. I can hide it from them to save the relationship with my family. I love my parents very much and we have a really good relationship. Since they do not live with me (and they are not in the U.S. most of the year), I can live my life without them bothering me too much. My husband knows my views on religion and supports me completely. If we just keep it a secret, it would help keep the peace and avoid any problems.

Needless to say, I decided to go with the second option. After all, I believe that this is the only life we get, and I do not want to spend it fighting with my family. I realize that my situation is a little easier than most and I think that it is sad that people around the world are being punished just for thinking for themselves.

(This is a topic that was suggested by a reader. If you would like me to write about something else that interests you, make a suggestion here.)

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